REVIVE! training

Nearly 600 Virginians died from opioid overdoses in the first half of 2018. In the past few years, drug overdoses took more lives than car crashes or guns.

To stem the rising tide of deaths, Rappahannock Area Community Services Board offers REVIVE! training.

“I had no idea about the benefits of naloxone helping in an opioid overdose or how important those first three minutes were in responding to an overdose,” said one class participant. “I’m thankful for this free training and the free naloxone so that I am better prepared to help if needed.”

The free training teaches individuals to recognize an opioid overdose and to use naloxone to reverse an overdose. Anyone with a friend or relative using opioids should attend the training. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services provides a free toolkit for each attendee. The kit includes the supplies needed to administer naloxone.

“We see the impact of the opioid epidemic daily at RACSB. Many of the individuals who come to us for treatment credit naloxone for saving their lives,” said Deputy Executive Director Jane Yaun. “It is important for community members to know how to use the antidote. After individuals are revived, we hope they will come to RACSB to receive treatment to overcome addiction.”